11 arrested after St. Helena Parish jail inmate’s overdose death

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Eleven people were arrested in connection with the fentanyl-related death of an inmate in St. Helena Parish.

Inmate Rogers B. Vernon, 40, died from an overdose in April. The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office said the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office was asked to assist in the investigation.

Investigators learned that contraband had been brought into the jail. Deputies said 10 inmates and one civilian were arrested in the case.

“The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, who, in cooperation with our deputies, worked tirelessly in assisting with this investigation. For the safety of those housed at our jail, additional measures have been implemented to prevent contraband from entering our facility. We would also like to extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Vernon- our prayers are with you all,” the sheriff’s office said.

Brandon Burge, 38, was charged with two counts of distribution of Schedule II CDS and one count each of introduction of contraband and second-degree murder.

Tilman Myles, 35, was charged with eight counts of distribution of Schedule II CDS and one count each of introduction of contraband and second-degree murder.

Gregory Bell, 41, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

Benjamin Brumfield, 38, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

Albert Cecchi, 47, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

Lance Griffith, 42, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

David Schmitt, 43, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

Frank Solomon, 51, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

Gabriel Thomas, 34, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

Eric Williams, 31, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

Linda Smith, 43, was charged with conspiracy to distribute Schedule II CDS and introduction of contraband.

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